Colchester United general manager Tim Waddington believes a greater bond now exists between the club and its fans ahead of their crunch clash with Portsmouth.

The U’s will welcome one of their biggest home crowds of the season for their vital League Two meeting with fellow promotion contenders Pompey, on Saturday.

Colchester’s home form has been impressive this season under head coach John McGreal and they have won seven of their last eight matches at the Weston Homes Community Stadium, this season.

The U’s still have seven home games remaining this term but after winning ten of their fixtures there so far, have already recorded more wins at the venue in a single season since the 2010-11 League One campaign.

And after several seasons of struggling against relegation, Waddington feels there is now a stronger link between the promotion-chasing team and their supporters.

Waddington told the Daily Gazette: “There now feels like there’s more of a connection between the club and the fans.

“I think the players in our current squad are having more interaction with our supporters and that spark has perhaps been missing a bit, over recent years.

“There’s some good characters in the squad and George Elokobi in particular has been instrumental in building that connection.

“I think we’re one of the form teams in the league at home at the moment.

“Over the last few seasons, we’ve unfortunately struggled a bit at home but that’s not been the case, this season.

“Our home form has been great, this season and the entertainment levels have been high under John (McGreal).

“The style of football has been really good – we’re playing attractive football and I think the fans who have been coming can appreciate that.

“I think the guys in the South Stand in particular have really related to the performances they’ve seen on the pitch.”

Sales for Colchester’s game against Portsmouth are already well on their way towards 6,000 so far and, as a result, some areas of the stadium are close to being full.

U’s supporters are snapping up tickets while Pompey fans will occupy the entire North Stand and also two blocks – E1 and E2 – in the East Stand.

“As is the case with any visiting team travelling to us in numbers, there are a lot of logistical things that need to be taken into account,” added Waddington.

“It makes sense for segregation reasons to allow Portsmouth to have the overflow area in the East Stand and from a security, catering and logistical point of view, it’s easier to work with.

“I would rather get bums on seats and I’m confident that we can compete with them, both on and off the pitch.”